One of the biggest kerfuffles in podcasting right now is about the lack of podcasting support in Windows Media Player 11. Some (like Geek News Central) were pretty scathing regarding the lack of podcast support after a year of iTunes support - saying that “their inaction will slow the growth of podcasting in a big way.” Others (like notably Robert Scoble) think that the lack of podcasting will slow WMP 11’s growth instead.

I have to agree with Scoble. I think that Microsoft may see WMP users who learn about - and want to listen to - podcasting switching to a player that does support podcasts. During my time off last week, I introduced someone to podcasting who has only ever used Windows Media Player - and was suprised to learn WMP doesn’t support podcasting. Their choice was to either not listen to podcasts, or to switch to iTunes in order to download podcasts (or use both until it gets to be too cumbersome).

As mentioned a few weeks ago, iTunes is offering pdf files for download for your iPod. Building on this offering, AdJab reported today that Lexus and Slate are offering “Textcasts” of the days headlines that can be viewed on a video iPod. While it is an interesting offering (and one I was excited to learn about) I agree with AdJab that looking at text on the wee little screen might be a strain on the eyes. At the same time, the rumors of the larger screen video iPod may make these an easier read.

Apple starts offering PDF enclosures as part of the podcast service (Micro Persuasion) (As an aside, if you didn’t know that you could put PDFs on your iPod, you can find a handy tutorial here)

Blog sharing service “Share your OPML” goes live (CNET)

AdAge has an excellent article that looks at the “Big Three” companies trying to hit podcast advertising head on - Podshow, Podtrac, and PodBridge - as well as the difference in opinion regarding who - and how many - are actually listening to podcasts. Podshow was the source of a lot of controversy from the podcasters of the world when the Podshow contract was anonymously emailed to the podcast Keith and the Girl - which they read online.  To date, neither Podtrac or PodBridge have generated much heat from podcasting discussions but more podcasts (including some of the favorites I reviewed back in 2005) have been including ads during their podcasts.

Youth Marketing & MySpace (Brand Republic via Adverblog)

iPods stealing radios audience (Podcasting News via Micro Persuasion)

Mediaweek explores the growing use of podcasts by television shows and networks, citing the recent podcasts created by Sci Fi’s Battlestar Galactica, Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards and the just launched ESPN PodCenter.  Looking at the mix of shows exploring this new medium, it appears that TV may be using podcasts as a way to reach the much sought after 18-35 male demographic by tempting their eardrums with additional premium content.  As this demographic spends more and more time away from the television screen and/or “multitasking” by sharing their eyeballs with video games and the computer screen, will podcasts keep them engaged?

More Music in the News: Sony signs a British singer with a Webcast audience of 100,000 (NME)

So….Bill Gates really isn’t joining the cast of Dr.Who? (CNET)

Online video show (still am not sure if this is a video podcast?) connecting girls to DIY tech (BoingBoing)

Is eBay a tool for measuring Ad ROI? (Fast Company)

Web 2.0 Reviews/Cateorization…by hand! (Web 2.0 Awards via Digg)

Want the most popular podcasts? Sort by Popularity. (Micro Persuasion)

Google: Music Store or Not? (CNET)